Being Thankful...Always

Today I am excited to be co-hosting the Faith and Fellowship link-up with Susannah at Simple Moments Stick. The topic for this month is, Thankful in All.

 Let’s discover how to do Thanksgiving in light of God’s word.  Let’s remember that gratitude is not a just a list of thank yous, but heart turning daily toward Christ.  - She Reads Truth, Give Thanks in All Circumstances
So, how do you do it? How do you give thanks to God ALWAYS? It seems easy to be thankful when things are good. When we feel blessed. And, when life just feels right. But, what about when your marriage is falling apart or you lose your job or when your child is diagnosed with cancer or when your friend is killed in a tragic accident? How is it possible to give thanks in those times?
I'm not sure I know the answer to the HOW. But, I do know that it's WHAT we are supposed to do. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says this,
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
I recently finished a study in the book of Esther. Although God is never mentioned in the book, His presence is evident. The way the events of the book unfold can only be the result of the providence of God. A poor, Jewish girl becomes Queen of Persia and saves the entire Jewish nation from death. Seems unlikely. Yet, it happened. And, the victory was God's.
The same can be true in our own lives. Although we may not be able to see God in our circumstances, He is present. He is in it all. And, in the midst of it all, He remains unchanged. It is because of this that we must be thankful...not FOR everything, but IN everything! 
I want to give thanks for the promise that He brings peace to chaos,  that redemption awaits, that rest is for those who lie down at His feet like sheep.  - She Reads Truth, Give Thanks in All Circumstances
Because, even when we cannot fully comprehend the happenings of this life, we can still trust in Him and His promises, completely. We can still lay at the feet of Jesus and weep, because He wants us to come to Him. He wants to give us peace. Give thanks to God for that today.

SOURCE

My Thanksgiving Table

I started putting together my Thanksgiving table yesterday. With a bit of help from my garden, old wrapping paper and dried pinto beans, I was able to create a simple, yet festive centerpiece for my Thanksgiving feast.

Before you start wondering if I will only be hosting four people for Thanksgiving, I will tell you that I did a little staging in order to take photos. And, since I only had four of the gold napkins, I could only set four plates at the table. I will actually be using paper plates for the big event, considering I will be serving 16 people.

I also enjoy using items that my kids make to decorate for the holidays.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

It's Tough Being a Woman {Esther Recap}

I recently finished a nine-week Bible study - which actually took us five months to complete - on the book of Esther. (You can read the story about how I got involved in this study here.) 

In an effort to document all I have learned, for my own benefit as well as yours, I write this post. I have also asked Tiffany and Julie, my friends, Bible study companions and bloggers at Girls of God's Heart, to help me recap all that we learned. 
The main theme of the study was, "it's tough being a woman..." Through the study, we explored seven different "tough" scenarios. By the end of the study, Beth had provided us with at least one scripture reference that would turn each scenario around. Because it is in the tough times when we need God the most. It's when we should turn to his words and find the answers on how to make the difficult easier.

Scenario #1 - It's Tough Being a Woman in Another Woman's Shadow. Turnaround Verse:  Psalm 91:1 -- He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
In the book of Esther, Esther steps into the shadow of Queen Vashti to become King Xeres new queen. Intimating much? I would think so. An average girl, a Jew at that, steps out side of her world into a world of royalty to become better than the once Queen Vashti.
We live in a world where women are almost always shadowed by another woman. Your best friend that is drop dead gorgeous, your sister who always gets it right the first time, your mother in law that is already perfect in your husbands eyes...And where do you fit in? You stand there in their shadow. When you feel overwhelmed by that thought remember you are a daughter of the Most High King, you have peace knowing you rest in His shadow. Praise God! 
Scenario #2 - It's Tough Being a Woman in a World Where Beauty is a Treatment Turnaround Verse:  Ecclesiastes 3:11 -- He has made everything beautiful in His time. 
Esther enters this world of royalty of fabulous things, as we would imagine...Beauty treatments after beauty treatment to prepare her for the big reveal to King Xerxes. Beauty treatments that lasted 12 months. 
Can you imagine being pampered for 12 months? Of course it sounds amazing and at first I am sure it would be fantastic. But wouldn't it get old after awhile? Wouldn't you start to feel as if you are just not good enough or you are not pretty enough? In our world today that's easy to feel that way. We see woman walk out top to bottom all done perfect and we look at ourselves...Hair not just right, makeup so so, clothes...Well they don't compare to what she has on. There is such a label on beauty in this world. Just know that your beauty sets eternally with God and He makes EVERYTHING beautiful in HIS time. And to Him, we are all beautiful no matter if we spend 0 minutes or 12 months on beauty treatments.
Scenario #3 - It's Tough Being a Woman in a Mean World Turnaround Verse: 1 Timothy 18:19 -- Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well, holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith.
Let's face it. The world is mean. It is full of cruel people and circumstances. In the story of Esther, the entire Jewish nation was sentenced to death because one Jewish man would not bow down to the king of Persia's right-hand man, Haman. It was because Haman perceived this man as a personal  and national threat that the Jews were destined to be annihilated. 
Isn't this when meanness often shows up, in response to a threat, either real or perceived? Psalm 26, verse 27 says that setting a trap for others will only cause you to stumble into it. While we are called to the "good fight," it is not a fight against the flesh, but against the powers of Satan. Isn't better for us, then, to take our concerns to God instead of attempting to "take care" of them ourselves?
Scenario #4 - It's Tough Being a Woman Thrown a Giant-Sized Weight Turnaround Verse:  Deuteronomy 23:5 -- But the Lord your God refused to listen to Balaam. He turned the intended curse into a blessing because the Lord your God loves you.
The passage of scripture related to this scenario contains one of the most well-known phrases in the book of Esther. "For such a time as this..." suggests that Esther was made to be queen for the purpose of saving the Jews. You might say it was her destiny. The Jews were scheduled to be killed and it became Esther's task to fix it. However, for Esther, approaching the king without being called, even though he was her husband, put her own life in danger.
Making this decision was not easy for Esther. There was no quick fix. And, failing to make a decision was not an option. This is where the study referenced, developing your "spiritual muscles." Discovering your destiny takes time in prayer, dedication to following God's will, and perseverance. And, you may discover that it is not in your timing, does not go your way and is not just for you. The good news is this: God is on your side and He will exchange the burden for a blessing.
Scenario #5 - It's Tough Being a Woman in a Tight Fist of Fear Turnaround Verse:  1 John 4:18 -- There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.
Esther had a choice to make. She was facing the ultimate fear - death. She could let fear overcome her and ultimately let it kill her, or she could make the choice to stand up in the face of fear and forever change the course of history.
Denial of the problem causing fear in you life is not courage. Courage is denying the authority that the fear has over you. How many of you are tortured by the "what if's" in life? I'll bet just about every one of us! This section of the study on Esther had a huge impact on me. Through this I learned that it's not enough to just trust God that our biggest fear won't happen because the enemy will torture us with that fear. We must not have conditional faith - Lord if you protect me then I'll trust you. The key is that we must trust Him EVEN IF. We must walk through this life knowing that even if something painful happens, He will take care of us. Even if our prayer isn't answered the way we want it to be, He is still sovereign. He alone knows what is best for us. He alone knows the outcome. Through this lesson I {Julie} have made it my goal to trust him with my children. I have chosen to not let that fear have any authority over my thoughts or my actions! What is your biggest fear? Where do you need to trust your King, even if?
Scenario #6 - It's Tough Being a Woman who can Balance Passion with Patience Turnaround Verses:  Isaiah 40:31 -- Those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength. Proverbs 16:18 -- Pride {thinking we know what's best} goes before destruction.
Patience. Oh patience, why is it so hard to have?! It is crucial for Esther to move forward with the right timing. She had to make sure that the timing was right for not only Xerxes but also Haman. She is approaching an evil man with a death wish for all of the Jewish people as well as the man who is her husband, but who also holds the power to annihilate her and all of her people with the seal of his signet ring. She is passionate about the stand she must take but she is also wise enough to know that she must not jump too quickly. There is wisdom that comes with wait.
Our culture is training us for impatience. It teaches us that we shouldn't have to wait for anything. We should really have what we want right at our fingertips all of the time shouldn't we? Girls Beth taught us that in our wait, God is NEVER inactive. Though we may not see it, the things on Earth are lining up with the things in Heaven. God is always working, it is up to us to wait for his go ahead - for his permission to move. In Beth's words, "There is a power that comes with wisdom and wait. A wise woman knows when it's the right time."
Scenario #7 - It's Tough Being a Woman Who Feels Responsible for the How Turnaround Verses: 2 Peter 2:9 --  if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment. Psalm 103:14 -- for he knows how we are formed...
Although Esther was Jewish, that fact wasn't known by the king or anyone else in the kingdom. In order to save her people, she had to tell that truth. She had to be willing to bring up her past. And, she was. Because ultimately, she trusted that God had called her to this time and place for this reason. Although it appeared that the well-being of an entire people group was on her shoulders, she was not responsible for how it all worked out. She was called to approach the king, to make the request. It was God who did the rest.
The same is true for you, and for me. We are not responsible for how it all works out. We just have to be willing to tell the truth about ourselves...where we've come from and where we hope to go. We also have to be willing to seek the Lord and his wisdom. Then, He will do the rest. If we trust in God, He will reverse the "detours of adversity" into the "highways of destiny."
To live for the greatness of God is to love the great life.  - Beth Moore, Esther
What is God calling you to do in order to fulfill your destiny? No matter what it is, He will guide and protect you. And, all things will be beautiful, in His time and according to His will.

Stand Firm

I know there is brokenness in the world. I know there are people who are struggling. But, my perspective has changed drastically since I began offering to pray for others who are broken.

Last week, I wrote an article for Unveiled Wife about protecting your marriage. At the end of the article I offered for readers to email me their prayer requests regarding their marriage. The response I got was unexpected.

The day the article came out I got two emails. The next morning, I had four more. And, they just kept coming. All day. All week.

Emails from all over the world. From women and men who were hurting in their life because of difficulties in their marriages. Story after story of brokenness and a need for prayer. I felt both saddened and honored. I was devastated by the thought that so many people were hurting. I also felt blessed (and a little overwhelmed) that God had sent these people to me, allowing me to pray for them and their marriages.

There have been times when I have not offered prayer because I am afraid that no one will respond, or if they do that my prayers will no be sufficient. But, it's not about me. It's about God and how He wants to use me. If He desires it, it will be and He will be sufficient.

I have been up early many mornings lately. During that time when my house is quiet, I have been trying to take the opportunity not to be busy, but to rest. To read, pray and write about what God is teaching me. The morning after the article, I was awake and was led to pray this, "Lord, if you desire for me to be a part of something bigger than myself, lead me there. Show me what you desire." Within an hour, the emails came. I had my answer.

Although you don't know these women and men by name or their stories, I ask that you would join me as I pray for them. Pray for broken, and in some case, shattered, marriages. Pray for me, as well. That God would continue to use me for His will and that I would follow his lead.

I am convinced that the closer we get to God, the more Satan attacks. He is uncomfortable with this closeness and wants to see us perish. I have experienced this first hand. Since I have begun writing about God and sharing the desires of my heart so openly, I have had more periods of stress and anxiety and doubt. It is important in these times to continue to seek God, not to become angry with him or forget him.

Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.

1 Corinthians 16:13

Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.

Ephesians 6:11

It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built.

Luke 6:48

Will you stand firm in Christ with me?

The Big Reveal {Family Photos 2013}

When I thought about having kids, what I really thought about was having babies. About diapers and late nights, first words and other milestones. I didn't think much about what it would be like to have kids in school, doing homework and being involved in extra-curricular activities. I didn't think about having teenagers or how my relationship will change with my kids once they are in college. I think about it now, though.
My kids aren't babies anymore. And, honestly, I am grateful for that. They are little people, nearly 11, 8 and 5. They have their own thoughts, feelings and interests, and make them known to me daily. They are unique to themselves, despite being raised by the same parents. And, I know they will continue to change, not just in a physical way, but in an emotional way as well.
That's one of the reasons, I wanted to capture them now, in this moment. Because so much is going to change. I don't want to freeze time or keep them from growing up, I simply want to document each moment, as it is. Our family photos, did just that...

P.S. In case you missed my posts on how to prepare for family photos, how to choose what outfits to wear, and what not to do during your photo shoot, see my previous posts here and here.
P.P.S. A huge thank-you to Kimi-G Photography for taking all of the amazing photos!
photos are my personal property and cannot be copied without my permission

It Takes One

Today I want to introduce you to an amazing woman. 
She is one of the first people I "met" when I started blogging and she is an inspiration. 
I know you will love her just as much as I do!
Her name is Marci and she has recently started a new blog site, ministry and written a book.
Take it away, Marci...

I am so honored that Sybil invited me to introduce my new blog and business on her fabulous site. She is an awesome lady and a true example of a Jesus girl. I always enjoy reading her posts. Not only is her love for Jesus evident, but I so appreciate her honesty and realness.

 

I have lived in numerous pits. I decorated them and tried to make them appear pretty. At times, I truly believed I had it going on. I thought I was doing life well during these high times.

You see, I grew up without a father and my mother was more concerned with her life. I dealt with various abuses and I struggled with self worth. I searched everywhere I could to find someone to love me. As a child, this meant behaving in ways that pleased everyone.  I knew how to hide my pain so that I appeared to be a happy child. I became a world class people pleaser.

During my teen years, I began doing whatever it took to get attention from boys. I knew what I was doing was not right, but I did it anyway. I desperately wanted to feel loved and for a fleeing moment the boys would tell me they loved me.

 

A year after college I married my college sweetie and ten months later we welcomed our first child. Neither of us grew up with an example of a Godly marriage or parenting. Yep, you guessed it-we were two messes trying to squeak by. We fought often and I was always filled with jealousy. I continued to struggle with self worth. We had two more children and my self worth worsened as I began to realize that little ones relied on me. I hit rock bottom and believed the lie that I was a burden to my family. I thought that any other woman would be a better fit for my children and husband. I wrote a suicide note and intended to free my family of me.

Jesus had another plan all together. My husband came home and found me crying on the floor. He scooped me up and held me while I cried. His compassion and love were so evident. They gave me something I had never felt before-hope. Within two weeks, an acquaintance invited me to a Bible study. I had never attended a study before and was immediately intrigued. The women I was placed with were organic Jesus lovers and openly loved all over me. They allowed me to share my mess and didn’t condemn me or throw the judgment book at me. 

Little by little I began to fall head over heels in love with Jesus. I was shown a love like I had never felt before. I started to read my Bible and listen to everything I could that pertained to Jesus. My heart began to know the peace that I had heard about. I was amazed, thrilled, and filled with joy. 

Jesus has filled my heart with such a passion for Him and for His children. I know what it is like to feel lonely, worthless, and rejected. I can relate to those who feel hopeless. I have such a heart for the hurting and have a strong desire to share the love that Jesus has filled me with. I promise, if He can change my life, He can change anyone’s. There is nothing that will keep Him from loving His babies!

Earlier this year, Jesus encouraged me to write a 31 day devotional for women. I titled it From Broken to Beautiful. It takes the reader on a journey to find true worth in Jesus.  We are all beautiful to Him and He longs for us to know it. It is available on Amazon as a paperback or on a Kindle.

I recently started my own business so that I could share Jesus with anyone and everyone.  I named it It Takes One Ministries. It takes one person to build us up or break us. Often, our self worth is determined based on these interactions. My goal is to let people know that our worth comes from the One who came to save us. Life can hurt, but Jesus will bind up our wounds and allow us to soar.

I would love for you to swing by my website and check out my blog. I hope you will grab a cup of coffee and stay a while. May you find your true worth in the One who created you to be beautiful!

Love to all-

Marci

www.ittakesoneministries.org

To get your own copy of Marci's devotional, enter below.

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Valuable

We all have things that we value. 
Do you consider your marriage to be one of those things?
I do. 

Today, you can find me at Unveiled Wife, sharing Four Ways to Protect Your Marriage.

Fixed

When I was a kid, I was taught to fold my hands and close my eyes when I pray. The children's pastor at our church teaches the same, expressing to the kids that we need to keep ourselves, and our fiends, distraction free when we are talking to God.
Last month, I attend a women's retreat. The speakers there asked us to take a different posture for prayer. We were to open our hands, so as to receive what God would give and ask for His response during our conversations with Him. I am not and have never been an overly charismatic Christian. It is not something I am against, it is just something I have never been completely comfortable with. However, the idea of inviting God to speak to me, to find out what He wants from me, is appealing to me. I have been making an effort to receive in prayer, with open hands, ever since.

This idea of receiving from God also came up a few Sundays ago during a sermon. The message centered around Luke 11:38-42, the story of Mary and Martha. The main idea was this, to sit at Jesus' feet is to be submitted to His instruction. To be totally dependent and ready to receive whatever it is that Jesus has to give. That is the goal.

When I fix my eyes on all that you are, then every doubt I feel, deep in my heart grows strangely dim. 

Strangely Dim, Francesca Battistelli

So, how do we do that? How do we give Jesus our undivided attention in a life that is full of distractions?

To fix our eyes on Jesus means to look intently at him. To be steadfast in putting our minds on things of Heaven, so that we can be ready to receive all that God has for us.

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 

- 2 Corinthians 4:18

In order to get to know someone, we need to spend time with them. My desire is to take time for Jesus. To fix my eyes and mind on Him. To find a place of rest in Him. I want Him to speak to me. I want to receive all that he has for me.

Celebration Saturday

Last week. It was good. Real good.

It's funny to say write that, since it was one of my worst weeks in terms of anxiety in a long time. I struggled daily and nightly to receive peace and truly give everything in my life over to God.

However, my kids were great, phenomenal, high achievers last week. So, to celebrate the various awards, trophies, performances, special invitations and the ability to handle change with ease, we resolved to have a family celebration day on Saturday.

M and I decided we wanted to do something together, as a family. O had been asking to "go somewhere" for awhile now. After the five of us had spent the day together, all three kids giddy with excitement, I realized that it didn't matter to him where we went, but that we went together, as a family. It's something we haven't done since summer ended and school started. It felt good.

We started our day at the zoo. I love our zoo. And, so do our kids. Even though we've been there countless times, we always enjoy it. Some photo highlights from Saturday's trip to the zoo...

After the zoo, we went out to lunch. Then, came home to clean out the garage. Well, M and E did most of the cleaning, while I followed O around the block on his bike. While it doesn't sound very exciting, it truly was a family affair.

Saturday evening, M barbecued, which meant I didn't have to cook dinner - yay for me - and we had a picnic/movie night in the living room. We watched Monsters University, which the girls had already seen, but the rest of us hadn't. It was a great family movie. We laughed, a lot.

Our lives are so busy that we often don't take time to spend a whole day together, laughing together, and enjoying each other's company. It felt good.
What did you do to celebrate life this weekend?